“Why is God mad at me?” “Why did God let this happen to me?” “Why is God punishing me like this?” These are some of the questions numerous people have ask me when they have came to me for help and in their distress. When people ask these questions, they are expressing what they feel as well trying to make sense of their life circumstances.
When cancer strikes, a loved one is in a car accident, financial loss hits, your marriage falls apart, or your child or spouse commits suicide, people often blame God instead of the real enemy in life, satan. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 , “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)
We live in a fallen world where there is sin, disease, disaster and loss and unfortunately we will have to contend with these things as long as we are on earth.The perfect world is heaven where there is no sorrow, mourning, tears or sickness and when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will get the opportunity to spend eternity in heaven. The good news is God walks with us in any situation here on earth, holding us by the hand as stated in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.” (NIV) I know this from my own personal experience navigating through different crisis I have faced. Unfortunately for me, I lived over half my life before I realized God really was right there for me.
For some reason, many people live life thinking that God just looks for reasons to be mad at us and is standing there ready to strike us when we sin. or do not do things right. This is simply not the truth. Scripture tells us that it takes a lot to make God angry. Love, compassion, grace and faithfulness is His character. It also tells us Christ has already paid the price for our sin, which means for us, we live in His incredible grace and mercy. I personally feel many Christians underestimate and devalue the grace God gives us. Jesus has already paid a huge price for our sin. We live in days of grace and what a gift that is for us!
In Exodus 34:6, God describes himself to Moses and says, “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (NIV)
David talks about who he has discovered God to be in Psalm 103:8, which states,“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”(NIV)
The misunderstanding about God and who he really is for us is found in Colossians 1:21-22, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (NIV) Often times we rationalize circumstances in our minds and come to a conclusion about God that simply is not true.
Unfortunately, asking why keeps us stuck and in a victim mentality. Again, speak from personal experience as I asked why often until 12 years ago. The question I ask now is “God, what do you want to teach me in this situation and who do you want to be for me?” Sometimes God teaches me to simply trust Him or the lesson is one on patience, being kind or compassion for others. Every trial I have faced has been an opportunity of growth. When I ask "what", I win! I have experienced
God is waiting to walk with you wherever you find yourself in life. As we approach Easter and remember Christ died for us, do not forget, your sins are paid for, God is not mad at you, Jesus came to give us a wonderful life here on earth and you always have Him to hold our hand.
Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie is a native to the Texas Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth and God’s love, You can reach her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com or visit her blog at www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com
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